In the heart of Coral Gables, a charming European bistro has found its home.  Angelique EuroCafe is a little piece of heaven where you can enjoy the delectable creations by Chef LeRoy Bautista who originally hails from New Orleans.  The menu offers European dishes primarily from Spain, France, Belgium and Italy.  Owners Yolanda and Carlos Rossi have created a warm and intimate atmosphere that you would experience while strolling the streets in Europe. According to Mrs. Rossi “it embodies the unique and complete European neighborhood cafe experience – a welcoming place where guests can indulge in simple and alluring flavors, sip favorite beverages and socialize with friends”. 

 The wine bar is extensive, taking you through the wineries of Italy, France, South Africa, Germany, and of course our very own California.  Meals are paired with wines that enhance flavors and textures. To start, amuse your bouche with the Gruyere Gougeres, a French cheese puff served with a sweet marmalade that has a little cayenne kick (compliments of the chef). The truffle gnocchi (a fan favorite) is a must; they are tiny scrumptious pillows of Mascarpone Cream with Black Truffle and Amaretti Crumbs (having a moment).  The mouth watering Branzino, better known as Italian Sea Bass, is served on a bed of fried garbanzos, baby spinach, tomato, capers, shallots and white wine.  The Gambas Angelique has a Spanish flair, served with saffron rice in a light sauce of Bass ale, Worcestershire, garlic, and butter.

 The experience will leave you feeling ‘cest magnifique! For more information go to www.angeliqueeurocafe.com.

Roberto Coin

We recently had an opportunity to meet and interview Roberto Coin at a “meet and greet” event hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue. 

Roberto Coin is synonymous with uniqueness, style and beauty. The elegance of Coin’s chic creations is attributed to his Italian heritage.  According to Coin, “Italians were the original architects, artists, painters; we designed the jewels for the monarchs”.  Coin is as passionate about life and learning, as he is about his jewelry.  Confessing that he is an avid “people watcher”, he enjoys human interaction and reaction.  The main focus of each line is to create an “emotional act to satisfy sentiments, reward oneself, to create happiness and memorable moments.”    His distinctive style conjures up the past and “creates happy memorable moments”.

 In 1996, Roberto Coin adopted the ruby as his signature, setting the precious stone inside each piece of his jewelry collection. The legend of the ruby is quite romantic; Egyptians believed that wearing it near their skin would promote a long, healthy and happy life.  Burmese warriors inserted rubies into their skin to protect them in battle, and women in ancient times used it to promote fertility, banish evil thoughts and reconcile disputes.

 The Roberto Coin line introduces 400 to 600 new models every year, continuously reinventing his “one of a kind” jewelry.  You can find his line exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue by clicking: http://www.saksfifthavenue.com

Roberto Coin

On Wednesday afternoon, Italian fine jewelry designer Roberto Coin made a personal appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland. 

On Wednesday evening, Ferdie Pacheco, legendary fight doctor of Muhammad Ali, launched his 30^th book Tales from the 5^th St. Gym offering photos and chronicles of the local landmark at El Scorpion Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, which coincidentally is located just off of 5^th street in Miami Beach.

Jeremy Shockey and Mickey Rourke attended the Fashion Art Ball Announcement Party benefiting Cystic Fibrosis at Phillipe on Thursday night.  According to our source, the pair were “worked” the adjacent table of 18 women having a bachelorette party who were more than happy to play along dancing and taking pictures.

Kourtney Kardashian’s beau, Scott Disick was spotted at the Viceroy on Friday afternoon stepping out of a blue Porsche Panamera.   Our spy says his left hand was wrapped in white bandages.

Scott Stapp

At the Marlins home opener last Friday night, April 9th, Creed frontman singer/songwriter Scott Stapp sang the 2010 Marlins theme song “Marlins Will Soar”. The new song was an unexpected treat for the crowd, who roared with excitement over hearing it.  Longtime friend of the Stapps, marketing guru, Allison Weiss Brady, helped to facilitate the Malins/Stapp collaboration.

Kate Hudson and Elaine Lancaster

Also on Friday Kate Hudson left the Barbie Retrospective at Alchemist hosted by Chrome Hearts and Oribe on Lincoln Road arm in arm with Elaine Lancaster, South Beach’s own gorgeous, giant, living, breathing, Diva Barbie (which some may consider more of a “Ken in Drag”).  The two dashed-off in a cream colored Bentley.  Later that evening Kate was spotted at Coco De Ville dancing at her VIP table.  Our favorite “Superbad” star, Christopher Mintz aka McLovin (LOL), was also at Coco living it up with an entourage of about 15 friends.

 Mickey Rourke and girlfriend Anastassija Makarenko stopped by to visit long time friend and restaurateur Shareef Malnik on Friday night for a personal tour of the newly reopened Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar.  During his visit Malnik and Rourke told stories of his past visits to the restaurant and how he used to work there as a bus boy when he lived in Miami.  

 On Saturday night, Q-Tip celebrated his birthday with a few of his closest friends at LIV and WALL including Janet Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bar Refaeli, Busta Rhymes, and Erykah Badu. 

Ingrid Hoffman

Jeffrey Donovan

 Food Network Star, Ingrid Hoffmann also celebrated her birthday on Saturday at SET, where Tommy Pooch and Alan Roth hosted a huge birthday blowout, complete with chocolate cake created by Michelle Berstein. On Sunday, Hoffman served as celebrity judge at the American Heart Association’s Heart of a Chef benefit at the Museum of Science.

 Also on Saturday, Jeffrey Donovan of Burn Notice attended Temptation Cabaret at the Seminole Hard Rock Café and Casino.

 Daredevil/ Virgin Atlantic Mogul, Sir Richard Branson stopped by The World Erotic Art Museum and enjoyed a tour by WEAM owner Naomi Wilzig.  Bran was so enchanted with the scope and depth of the museum, he promised to come back with his

 wife.  

Geoff Stults, Rick Fox, Eliza Dushku, and Ali Vincent

 Recording industry giant, Clive Davis had dinner at Barton G. the Restaurant.

 Sunday’s Nautica South Beach Triathlon featured participants such as: Natalie Morales, Eliza Dushku, Rick Fox, and Andy Baldwin.

Over the weekend, Gabrielle Union was seen drinking Pinot Grigio at Sunset Lounge at Mondrian with five of her girlfriends.

Pink and Blue for Two at the Raleigh

 Olivia Newton-John will host a fundraising event along with Dr. Ernie Bodai (creator of the USPS Breast Cancer Stamp) to raise funds for breast and prostrate cancer research. “Pink and Blue for Two: Screen Together, Liv Together” (the “e” in “Liv” is omitted intentionally as it is short for “Olivia” and is the name of her outreach organization) will take place on Thursday, April 22 at 7 p.m. at the Raleigh Hotel in South Beach (1775 Collins Avenue).  Michael Valdes, the director of this inaugural event, promises a spectacular evening. “I have known the Newton-John family for almost 20 years and I am honored to be a part of this historic evening”. Jon Secada will be performing songs from his new CD, Elaine Lancaster will DJ and Emerson Newton-John, the founder of Full Speed To A Cure, will round out the entertainment.  General admission tickets cost $250 for an open bar, full dinner, and Grammy award winning entertainment. There are also opportunities to purchase general tables, VIP tables, private cabanas and even a private reception with Olivia herself in her penthouse suite (which will only be limited to 60 people). Tickets are available on www.pinkandbluefortwo.com

Loren Ridinger

Thursday night, JR and Loren Ridinger opened up their North Bay Road estate, Casa De Los Suenos, for the premier of Loren Ridinger’s stunning jewelry collection.  The trunk show showcased the jewelry for the first time since its creation.  The event featured a fun yet sophisticated gathering of friends of the Ridingers, many of whom happen to be celebrities, who have been fans of the line even before the trunk show and have been wearing and promoting it. Some fans of Loren jewels (pronounced as in Sophia Loren) include:  Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, the Kardashians, Paulina Rubio, Alejandro Sanz, Marc Anthony, and Joel Madden to name a few.  According to Loren Ridinger, “The collection was made from a desire to give someone a way to wear beautiful jewels for anytime of day and includes pieces that can be worn with casual or formal clothing.  My pieces are simple yet bold designs that are gorgeous! It’s kind of exploded before I got a chance to show it!” Read the rest here »